not to claim benefit?

[MilMae]

Im on 28K my DH on around 35K. we own our flat (mortgage) and have a 6 months DS (with childminder)
Both DH or I think we should not apply for child benefit as we believe we are doing well without it, and there other people out there who may need it more.
AIBU to wish that many more people would think like us?

bully for you

well done

how altruistic of you

life ain't that simple and you know it

Very altruistic and pilanthropic (sorry for bad spellign)

YANBU

Good Luck.

Would you like a medal? Or would a certificate do you?

Were I still a school child then (a) it would be the 1970s and (b) I would be unable to resist saying 'waddaya want, a medal??'

However I am not. And it isn't. So jolly well done.

I don't claim it either. I do think there are many people who think like us but most aren't being vocal on MN about this particular matter. I am a SAHM, DH is freelance and sometimes we are completely skint, sometimes we're fine. We have three kids all under 6. We have a big mortgage - our choice. I think the symbolism of universal child benefit being paid to THE CHILD via the mother was great. I also think it was brought in to bolster nutrition of children in a country still under rationing. People have got used to confusing necessities and luxuries. I am from a very working class, very proud (you know - sell your kidney before accepting any state help type people) background. It would be great to have the extra. Our youngest has never had any clothes there weren't hand me downs etc. I guess I'd miss CB if I'd claimed it in the first place but luckily I felt others needed it more. IF you can't manage on £44,000 you're making expensive decisions somewhere along the way.

YABU to think the other people out there, that need it more, will get it

Take the cb and give it to charity if you don't need it......the gov won't give it to 'needy' folk......go and give it to a local charity who could really use it.......lucky you to have the choice

Exactly usualsuspect. Little old me on minimum wage as well as others wont get a huge boost because thousands are havings there CB stopped. The money saved will simply go towards paying off that lovely big debt we have.

Ooh, couldn't you just eat yourself?

That's great. I was about to mention that as a SAHM not claiming CB, you are putting your state pension entitlement at risk but I suspect that you won't be claiming a state pension anyway because of your principles (if it still exists in years to come).

Just read the snipey responses. I don't think anyone is wrong to claim it. I was very tempted. My mum did and it meant a lot to her. I remember going to the Post Office to pick it up every (two?) weeks. But Dad's income was weeny. In today's terms mum would still be getting CB, as would we. If I get a medal, can I donate it to the poor? Or could I have a chocolate one instead?

Last post for KittyFoyle - OP is not a SAHM so doesn't apply!

Don't believe there will be a state pension worth having by the time I qualify. Anyway I thought the pension radar was connected to National Insurance payments? I guess I'm out of touch and tripping over my pesky principles.

I think you should take it - you never know what's around the corner and you may need it.

If you really beleive you don't need it, claim it and then donate to a local charity, perhaps one that helps battered women take themselves and their children away from abusive husbands/partners. That way it really would be going to people who need it.

KittyFoyle Well done and all that BUT do you have a private pension provsion? I ask as being in reciept of child benefit, gives another unmentioned benefit, the contribution (in points now I believe) to a state pension (It used to be called Home responsibilities Protection). Which you are covered with until your child is 12.

I saw this on another thread but I don't remember the original OP but I fully agree with the sentiment that may women copuld be left worse off in future years as a result of this. (NB I won't be one of them)

I could do. I do voluntary work for a local charity too. Really. Any chance of the medal yet of have you already awarded it to the OP?

I'm really glad everyone put what I was going to put because I was getting a bit concerned that I was just a bad tempered pissy old bag...

YANBU to wish for other people to do the same. Unfortunatly there will not be a lot of people willing to follow your example..But well done for being brave not only for not claiming cb but as well for sharing. Seems like you will be getting sticks for it...shamefull!!

interesting responses. I took the decision after seeing many of my colleagues who dont really need (like me) claiming CB and HB to fund holidays etc.
as I said, there people out there who need it, but Im glad we can manage without.
can I get a big fudge cake instead of medal :)

I think you should claim it and give it to someone who deserves it. That would make a real difference.

To help with someone who is struggling with child care costs. To assist someone's education.

I think you should claim it and give it to me

What bramblyhedge & Doris said - NI implications if you don't claim it which will mean you won't get full state pension. See here - check the section How to get National Insurance credits - read it carefully & contact the tax office.
Personally I think you're a daft bint to not claim, especially for this reason.